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jili slot vip The film's release on Chinese New Year's Day is a strategic move that is sure to attract large crowds to the theaters, as the Spring Festival holiday is one of the busiest times for moviegoers in China. By capturing the festive spirit and excitement of the season, "Ne Zha 2" is poised to dominate the box office and delight audiences with its thrilling action sequences, memorable characters, and heartwarming message.TV’s Dr. Oz invested in businesses regulated by agency Trump wants him to lead

NVIDIA, the renowned technology company known for its innovations in graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence, recently made a bold statement regarding its commitment to transparency and cooperation with regulatory bodies. In a move that showcases its dedication to operating within the bounds of ethical and legal standards, NVIDIA has expressed its willingness to address any questions or concerns raised by regulatory authorities.Albemarle Corp. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitors despite daily gains

In conclusion, the UEFA Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Atalanta, as well as the match between Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen, are set to provide a spectacle for fans to enjoy. With everything to play for, these games will undoubtedly showcase the best of European football and demonstrate why the Champions League is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. Stay tuned for what promises to be an action-packed and thrilling matchday.In conclusion, the case of Cao Cao raising a Gatling gun through AI modification highlights the complex interplay between historical figures, AI technology, and intellectual property rights. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to establish clear boundaries and ethical guidelines for the use of AI in modifying historical content. While AI has the potential to enhance our understanding and appreciation of history, it is important to tread carefully and thoughtfully in order to avoid potential infringement issues and preserve the integrity of our cultural heritage.

A judge on Monday granted a request by prosecutors to dismiss the election subversion case against Donald Trump because of a Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed to the request by Special Counsel Jack Smith to dismiss the case against the president-elect "without prejudice," meaning it could potentially be revived after Trump leaves the White House four years from now. "Dismissal without prejudice is appropriate here," Chutkan said, adding in the ruling that "the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office." Trump, 78, was accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden and removing large quantities of top secret documents after leaving the White House, but the cases never came to trial. Smith also moved on Monday to drop his appeal of the dismissal of the documents case filed against the former president in Florida. That case was tossed out earlier this year by a Trump-appointed judge on the grounds that Smith was unlawfully appointed. The special counsel paused the election interference case and the documents case this month after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election. Smith cited the long-standing Justice Department policy of not indicting or prosecuting a sitting president in his motions to have the cases dismissed. "The Government's position on the merits of the defendant's prosecution has not changed," Smith said in the filing with Chutkan. "But the circumstances have." "It has long been the position of the Department of Justice that the United States Constitution forbids the federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting President," Smith said. "As a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." In a separate filing, Smith said he was withdrawing his appeal of the dismissal of the classified documents case against Trump but pursuing the case against his two co-defendants, Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the cases were "empty and lawless, and should never have been brought." "Over $100 Million Dollars of Taxpayer Dollars has been wasted in the Democrat Party's fight against their Political Opponent, ME," he said. "Nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before." Trump was accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding -- the session of Congress called to certify Biden's win, which was violently attacked on January 6, 2021 by a mob of the then-president's supporters. Trump was also accused of seeking to disenfranchise US voters with his false claims that he won the 2020 election. The former and incoming president also faces two state cases -- in New York and Georgia. He was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter. However, Judge Juan Merchan has postponed sentencing while he considers a request from Trump's lawyers that the conviction be thrown out in light of the Supreme Court ruling in July that an ex-president has broad immunity from prosecution. In Georgia, Trump faces racketeering charges over his efforts to subvert the 2020 election results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in office. cl/smsTitle: Concerns Over Hu Xijin's Comments on Missing Female Graduate Student - Police's Use of the Word "Shelter" in Notification Appears Careless

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — What’s stoking the Denver Broncos’ surprising surge is the growing connection between rookie quarterback Bo Nix and veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Whenever the Broncos (7-5) need a clutch catch, a key flag or a timely touchdown, Sutton is usually the one delivering it like he did Sunday when he caught eight passes on 10 targets for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns that sparked the Broncos’ come-from-behind 29-19 win at Las Vegas. “Courtland played tremendous,” coach Sean Payton said. Again. “He’s just reliable,” Nix said. “He’s just always there when you need him.” Sutton’s size (6-foot-4 and 216 pounds) and experience (he’s in his seventh NFL season) make him an ideal target and safety valve for the rookie QB whose confidence is growing by the week. “He’s smart. He’s savvy. He makes plays when the ball’s in the air,” Nix said. “You can trust him. When it’s up in the air, it’s his or nobody’s. It’s not going to be a pick.” Nix’s first touchdown toss to Sutton was an 18-yarder that allowed the QB to break Marlin Briscoe’s 1968 Denver rookie record of 14 TD passes, and the two connected again with 5:30 left to make it a two-score game. RELATED COVERAGE Rams WR Demarcus Robinson arrested on suspicion of DUI after loss to Eagles Jackson accounts for 3 TDs, John Harbaugh moves to 3-0 vs. brother as Ravens beat Chargers 30-23 Chargers struggle to score after RB J.K. Dobbins hurts his knee in his reunion game with Ravens The Broncos trailed 13-9 at halftime and Nix said they knew they had to get the ball into Sutton’s hands more in the second half after he had caught the only pass thrown his way in the first half (for 17 yards). “Didn’t target him (much) in the first half,” Nix said. “We come out and say, ‘Look, Courtland, this is your half.’ We take over the game. He goes for two touchdowns. That just kind of speaks for what he means to our team.” The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . Sutton has been on a tear after since he wasn’t targeted a single time in Denver’s 33-10 win at New Orleans on Oct. 17. (Payton mentioned as recently as last week what an anomaly that game was because there was a heavy diet of plays for Sutton that just didn’t pan out for various reasons.) In his six games before that goose egg, Sutton had 21 catches on 49 targets for 277 yards and a touchdown. In the five games since, he’s caught 36 of the 48 balls thrown his way for 467 yards and three TDs. Plus, he threw a touchdown pass to Nix on a “Philly Special” at Baltimore in Week 9. “I think we’re just scratching the surface,” Sutton said. Thanks in part to the chemistry between Nix and Sutton, the Broncos are in position for the seventh and final playoff spot entering December. What’s working The passing game, thanks to the Nix-Sutton connection. What needs help The running game. Javonte Williams had just 2 yards on eight carries and Audric Estime ran three times for 15 yards against the Raiders’ run-heavy fronts and a steady diet of blitzes. Jaleel McLaughlin saved the day with seven carries for 44 yards. Stock up OLB Nik Bonitto. His 10 sacks make him the first Denver defender with double-digit sacks since 2018, when Von Miller did it. Stock down Once again, the Broncos’ special teams, with the exception of K Wil Lutz, who hasn’t missed a field goal attempt or extra point since his protection unit cratered at Kansas City three weeks ago and allowed the Chiefs to block what would have been the game-winning kick as time expired. On Sunday, the Raiders had a successful fake punt and a 59-yard kickoff return. Injuries Payton isn’t saying much about the injuries to DE Zach Allen (heel) and CB Riley Moss (knee) except that to him they’re not serious setbacks for either player. Key number 2 — The Broncos are two games above .500 for the first time since starting the 2021 season with three wins. Next steps The Broncos host Cleveland (3-8) on Monday night ahead of their bye week. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflChange to the date of Innofactor Plc’s Annual General Meeting in 2025ASX to open stronger after sleepy Wall Street sessionThe move to clear the airspace and deploy a significant number of naval vessels near Taiwan is seen as a show of force by China, which has long claimed sovereignty over the self-governing island. Taiwan, on the other hand, views itself as a separate entity and has openly advocated for its independence, much to the chagrin of Beijing.

After days of intense search efforts, authorities finally identified the suspect and apprehended him in a dramatic raid. Details surrounding his arrest have not been made public, but sources close to the case indicate that the suspect did not resist and was taken into custody without incident.AP News Summary at 4:42 p.m. ESTThe new trailer showcases Aizen in all his glory, exuding an aura of elegance and danger as he makes his grand entrance. Dressed in his signature attire, with his trademark glasses and serene smile, Aizen's presence is enough to send chills down the spines of both fans and foes alike. The animation captures his essence perfectly, from his graceful movements to the subtle hints of his sinister intentions that lie beneath the surface.

Thanksgiving dinner in US cost less than last year, but Colorado’s is 4th highest in nation

BEIRUT — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials claimed they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Bulldozers remove the rubble of a destroyed building Monday that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations also expressed cautious optimism Monday about possible progress on a ceasefire. “Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the Group of Seven meeting outside Rome. “We are perhaps close to a ceasefire in Lebanon," he said. "Let's hope it's true and that there's no backing down at the last-minute.” A ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon was foremost on the agenda of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, outside Rome, that gathered ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the last G7 encounter of the Biden administration. For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League. Thick smoke, flames and debris erupt Monday from an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon. Meanwhile, massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut's southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon's Health Ministry said Monday that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday. The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians, and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel claims to have killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Destroyed buildings stand Monday in the area of a village in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel. Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because "we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire." Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were "close to a deal." "It can happen within days," he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. A member of the Israeli security forces inspects an impact site Sunday after a rocket fired from Lebanon hit an area in Rinatya, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force. Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel demands the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government says such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. There are many obstacles preventing shoppers from upholding eco-friendly habits as much as they may want to—but not all of these barriers are necessarily real, or accurately understood. Shopping sustainably simply isn't convenient or accessible for many. Those who live in apartment buildings are 50% less likely to recycle , according to Ipsos. Reasons for this can vary from lack of space to buildings being excluded altogether because of recycling contamination issues. Many believe that sustainable products are too expensive or of a lower quality. The former is often true, which does create a hurdle for many: The manufacturing processes and materials for sustainable products are pricey. For instance, organic cotton requires an intensive production process free of certain chemicals or pesticides; by definition, true eco-friendly products can't be mass-produced, further upping their price tag. Using recycled materials for packaging, or obtaining an eco certification, can also be expensive. However, although the narrative of eco-friendly products being more expensive is true, there is often more of an effort to use better quality materials that last longer than their noneco-friendly counterparts. This could end up saving consumers money in the long run: By paying more upfront, they can get more wear out of sustainable fashion, for instance. There is also undeniable political rhetoric surrounding eco-friendly products—however, despite many Conservative politicians decrying sustainable products, members of all generations are increasingly choosing to prioritize shopping sustainably regardless of their political affiliation, according to research from NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business . This finding shows a trend toward seeing sustainability as a nonpartisan subject everyone can benefit from, no matter where they lie on the political spectrum. Some might think eco-friendly clothing, in particular, is not fashion-forward; after all, many of the top clothing retailers in the world partake in fast fashion. However, brands are increasingly being recognized as 'cool' and 'trendy' for supporting environmentally ethical practices, particularly as younger generations prioritize sustainability, as noted before. Many increasingly popular online stores are taking advantage of this paradigm shift by offering secondhand shopping options that are not only fashionable, but also more affordable, like ThredUp or Poshmark. Additionally, many legacy large-name brands are hopping on the sustainability movement and are gaining appreciation from loyal customers. Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program partners with third-party certification bodies to make it easier for shoppers to identify eco-friendly products as they browse the website. H&M's newly launched H&M Rewear program debuts a resale platform that allows the resale of all clothing brands—not just their own. Similarly, Patagonia's Worn Wear program allows shoppers to trade in and buy used gear and clothing. The federal government is also working to close this gap. The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program is attempting to make sustainable shopping easier for consumers and companies alike. It includes a directory of certified products, a list of safer chemicals to look out for on labels, a "Safer Choice" label that products can earn to denote they are eco-friendly, and resources for manufacturers looking to adopt more sustainable practices. Most of all, though, the biggest way shoppers can shift toward sustainable shopping is through their behaviors and attitudes amongst their peers and communities. Studies show that humans largely care what others think of their actions; the more shoppers make environmentally conscious shopping the norm, the more others will follow suit. From an economic perspective, the more consumers shop eco-friendly, the more affordable and accessible these products will become, too: Sustainable products are currently more expensive because they are not in high demand. Once demand rises, production rates and prices can lower, making these products more accessible for all. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on The RealReal and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. On paper, being more sustainable and eco-friendly while shopping sounds great—so why don't more people do it? There is growing consumer consciousness about the environmental impact of where people choose to shop and the sustainability of the products they buy. According to McKinsey, over 60% of individuals surveyed in 2020 said they would be willing to pay more for a product that is packaged in an eco-friendly way. Since 2019, products marketed as being environmentally sustainable have seen a 28% growth in revenue compared to 20% for products with no such marketing, a 2023 McKinsey and NielsenIQ report found. Much of this is thanks to the preferences and attitudes of Gen Z, who, on average, care more than their older counterparts about being informed shoppers. The younger generation also has more social justice and environmental awareness altogether. Shoppers are willing to spend around 9.7% more on a product they know is sourced or manufactured sustainably, with 46% saying they would do so explicitly because they want to reduce their environmental footprint, according to a 2024 PwC report. Sustainable practices consumers look for from companies include production methods, packaging, and water conservation. But despite the growing consciousness around being more environmentally responsible, consumer actions don't always align with their values. In psychology, this is defined as the "say-do gap": the phenomenon wherein people openly express concern and intention around an issue, but fail to take tangible action to make a change. According to the Harvard Business Review in 2019, most consumers (65%) say they want to buy from brands that promote sustainability, but only 1 in 4 follow through. So why don't people actually shop sustainably, despite how much they express a preference for eco-friendly products—and how can we close the gap? The RealReal examined reports from the Harvard Business Review and other sources to explore why some shoppers want to buy sustainably but struggle to follow through. This lack of action isn't due to a lack of caring—in many cases, it's hard to know how to be a sustainable consumer and other factors are often outside of shoppers' control. But the more people shop sustainably, the easier and more accessible that market will be for everyone—making it much easier for folks to buy aligned with their values. Get local news delivered to your inbox!In a shocking turn of events, former elementary school principal Zhong Moyan was found guilty of accepting bribes totaling a staggering 9.49 million RMB. The case has sent shockwaves through the education sector and raised concerns about corruption in schools.

One of the key strengths of New China Insurance is its focus on innovation and technology. The company has made significant investments in digital transformation and technological advancements to enhance its operational efficiency and customer experience. By leveraging data analytics, AI, and other cutting-edge technologies, New China Insurance has been able to streamline its processes, improve risk assessment, and offer personalized insurance solutions to its customers.ConnectAndChill.com Launches to Revolutionize Online Entertainment 11-21-2024 11:32 PM CET | Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Press release from: ABNewswire 21 November, 2024 - A wave of excitement is sweeping through the digital world as ConnectAndChill.com, a newly registered online portal, officially announces its development as the ultimate destination for online entertainment. The platform is poised to revolutionize how people connect, interact, and relax, setting a new standard for entertainment in the digital age. More than just another website, ConnectAndChill.com represents a bold step forward in blending cutting-edge technology with a human-centered approach to online engagement. The platform's mission is clear: to create a space where people can seamlessly integrate connection, innovation, and entertainment, all in one place. The Future of Digital Entertainment ConnectAndChill.com is being developed with a singular vision-to provide a one-stop hub that transforms how users experience online entertainment. Whether it's engaging in interactive games, exploring curated digital content, or discovering new ways to connect with others, the site is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of interests. The platform aims to set itself apart by prioritizing accessibility and fun, making it easy for users of all tech backgrounds to join in and enjoy the experience. Its developers are leveraging state-of-the-art technology to ensure seamless functionality, while fostering an environment that feels inclusive and approachable. "Our goal is to redefine what it means to chill in the digital era," says DP Suma, Manager of ConnectAndChill.com. "We're blending innovation and entertainment to create a platform that feels as dynamic and exciting as it is user-friendly. This isn't just about consuming content-it's about being part of an interactive and ever-evolving community." Humble Beginnings, Bold Ambitions What began as a creative idea between friends has now grown into an ambitious project with a clear focus on making a lasting impact on the digital landscape. The team behind ConnectAndChill.com is channeling its energy into creating a platform that not only meets today's entertainment needs but anticipates the desires of tomorrow's users. Although details about specific features remain under wraps, the creators assure audiences that exciting developments are on the horizon. With a promise to provide regular updates, ConnectAndChill.com invites the world to stay tuned for what's next. Connect and Chill-Together At its core, ConnectAndChill.com is more than a platform-it's an invitation to experience a new way of connecting and unwinding. The team is committed to ensuring that the platform is both entertaining and meaningful, offering something truly unique in a crowded digital market. As the project gains momentum, ConnectAndChill.com is calling on entertainment enthusiasts, tech lovers, and curious explorers to join the journey. Together, they'll redefine how we connect and chill in an increasingly digital world. For media inquiries or additional information, please visit connectandchill.com Media Contact Company Name: ConnectAndChill.com Contact Person: DP Suma Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=connectandchillcom-launches-to-revolutionize-online-entertainment ] Country: Netherlands Website: http://ConnectAndChill.com This release was published on openPR.

The release of the new trailer has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation among fans, who are eagerly counting down the days until the movie hits theaters in mainland China on December 14th. Many are already making plans to see the film on opening night, eager to experience the epic battles, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable characters that have made "The Lord of the Rings" such a beloved and enduring franchise.The rise of MaoGeping also signifies a shift in consumer preferences towards Chinese beauty brands. With a renewed focus on promoting homegrown talents and products, consumers are increasingly turning to domestic brands for their skincare and cosmetics needs, contributing to the overall growth and development of the Chinese beauty industry.As we look ahead to the possibility of oil prices continuing to decrease in the near future, it is essential for consumers, businesses, and governments to monitor developments in the oil market closely. Adapting to changing oil price dynamics and implementing strategies to mitigate potential risks will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by fluctuating oil prices. Whether the current low oil prices mark a short-term trend or a longer-lasting phenomenon remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the impact of oil prices on global economies and industries will continue to be significant.

LOUISIANA TECH 85, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 79, OT

Sun Minghui, known for his exceptional skills and tenacity on the basketball court, was in the midst of a crucial match when the incident occurred. As he attempted to drive past his defender, a sudden and reckless move by the opposing player resulted in a devastating blow to his temple, causing him to collapse on the court in excruciating pain. The impact of the elbow strike was so severe that Sun Minghui had to be immediately rushed to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.A t the end of the year, newsrooms are generally half-empty. Many journalists happily go away on holiday, leaving news editors patrolling deserted aisles and staring at empty news lists and blank pages, wondering how to fill them. The panicked editors sometimes terrorise the few unfortunate reporters left behind, who then furiously start working the lines. It is especially at this difficult hour that people with capacious minds and precise memories come to our rescue. They have no billowing capes, no colourful spandex costumes, no shields, and no swords, but they are our saviours. In a reporter’s lexicon, they are ‘dial a quote’ sources — subject experts who can weigh in on any problem and provide context for stories. Two days ago, I went around the newsroom speaking to reporters. My colleagues said they swear by a student leader-turned-activist-turned-politician, who is now an academic, for quotes on anything from the travails of the homeless in Delhi’s bitter cold winters, to trade union protests, to trouble at universities. For the security beat reporters, former officers of the Army, Air Force, and Navy are the go-to guides. They explain the topography of a border area where a conflict has broken out or the torturous process of buying weapons than may span over decades. Their on-the-record comments add gravitas to the story. Then there are historians. Every time a road is renamed or a heritage structure comes crumbling down, they take us through the dusty bylanes of a bygone era. Without them, our stories would have no roots and simply become dull ‘he said, she said’ exchanges. While writing about rural development, I lean on activists who spend months in the field and are in touch with the workers every day. They trawl through the gigabytes of data on government websites to spot trends. Often, I feel guilty for sponging off their hard work, but we reporters draw solace from the fact that as the medium, we have successfully managed to put the message across. Political commentators are always ready to talk. Generally, the more they are sidelined within their party, the more enthusiastic they are to be quoted. ‘Dial a quote’ is not a new fad; it is as old as newsrooms. The scientist, J.B.S. Haldane, was a darling of journalists and would be ready to comment on anything under the sun, from weather to submarines. In Haldane’s biography, A Dominant Character , Samanth Subramanian quotes an apocryphal story about him. A journalist, probably on a slow news day, called Haldane to ask him what his studies about nature had taught him about the Creator. Haldane replied, “He has an inordinate fondness for beetles.” If dial-a-quoters are witty, it is an added bonus. Editors, of course, hate some of these stock names that appear often in stories. Once, a harried news editor, tired of seeing the same names crop up in copies on cost of living, gave a standing instruction: the names of the people who supply tea and snacks should never find their way to print. Also, the views of these sources can sometimes be jaded and out of date. So, we keep searching for new ‘dial a quote’ sources who offer newer and different perspectives. The most invaluable sources are those whose names never appear in print, but who provide background information; the scaffolding that supports our stories. During elections, they provide tutorials on caste equations, political rivalries, and the shifting loyalties of local leaders in various constituencies. There are also those who we may not call for months, but still go the extra mile to arrange interviews. The dial-a-quote sources may come from different fields but they have some things in common. They are passionate about their area of expertise, kind enough to pick our call at any time, and answer basic queries with patience. They are also brave enough to be quoted on record. As we take stock of the year gone by, we would like to pay our gratitude to all our ‘dial a quote’ sources — thank you. sobhanak.nair@thehindu.co.in Published - December 27, 2024 03:12 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit news media